Port Townsend Paper Co. plans to install a silencer on one of the mill’s machines in the next two weeks after residents nearby complained of a high-pitched noise coming from the mill after a scheduled shutdown. (Cydney McFarland/Peninsula Daily News)

Port Townsend Paper Co. plans to install a silencer on one of the mill’s machines in the next two weeks after residents nearby complained of a high-pitched noise coming from the mill after a scheduled shutdown. (Cydney McFarland/Peninsula Daily News)

Port Townsend mill to install silencer after nearby residents complain of noise

PORT TOWNSEND — Port Townsend Paper Co. is planning to install a silencer to quell noise after residents complained of a high-pitched sound coming from the mill after its annual 10-day shutdown.

The paper mill has been working with a manufacturer to build and install a noise silencer, which is expected to be put into place in the next two weeks, according to the mill’s general manager, Michael Craft.

The noise is caused by a new piece of equipment installed during the shutdown from Oct. 22 to Oct. 31. The new equipment was installed in the mill’s No. 2 paper machine to enhance product quality, according to an email from Craft on Thursday.

The work was one of five projects completed during the shutdown.

Craft said the new equipment caused an unexpected high-frequency noise to emanate from a vent off a blower.

“We’ve worked diligently since startup to address the noise and today made some modifications to the vent as a recommendation from the manufacturer,” Craft said.

Craft added that the mill also has developed a plan to run the machine without the blower in case the vent modification does not stop the noise.

“Although the sound is not as loud, it is still a high-pitched noise,” Craft said. “We are working with the manufacturer to build and install a noise silencer, which will address this frequency range.”

Craft said he would be able to provide more details about the new equipment once it is installed.

Members of PT Airwatchers, a Facebook group of over 200 community members, complained about the sound Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, and said they had put in complaints to the mill and the state Department of Ecology.

Ecology officials said noise complaints aren’t in the department’s jurisdiction but would be the responsibility of the mill or local government.

The noise complaints come less than a month after an increase in odor complaints was reported. Ecology blamed the cooler temperatures on the increase in the smell coming from the mill.

Port Townsend Paper Co. is the largest private employer in Jefferson County and has been in its location just outside Port Townsend since 1927.

________

Jefferson County Editor/Reporter Cydney McFarland can be reached at 360-385-2335, ext. 55052, or at cmcfarland@peninsuladailynews.com.

More in News

A street sweeper on I Street in Port Angeles cleans up the street along the curbs of all the debris that blew down during Tuesday evening’s storm. Thousands were without power at the peak of the storm. (Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News)
Storm causes power outages, road closures

Smaller weather system may hit Friday

Port Angeles funds lodging tax requests

Sixteen applications to undergo review

Port Townsend’s Water Street sewer project gets funds

City council authorizes contracts; construction to start in January

Port of Port Angeles commissioners approve 2025 budget

Board OKs project that would treat seawater to make it less acidic

Two injured after truck collides with tree

Two people were injured when the truck in which… Continue reading

Power out for thousands in Clallam County

More than 11,000 electric meters were without power in… Continue reading

Shay-Lyn Szczepanik and her daughter Raelynn, 5, of Port Angeles are wind blown as they try to watch the wild waves at the base of Ediz Hook on Tuesday as the storm approaches. Many other weather watchers went to the spit to see and feel the winds. (Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News)
Storm surge

Shay-Lyn Szczepanik and her daughter Raelynn, 5, of Port Angeles are wind… Continue reading

Fire Marshal and floodplain administrator Phil Cecere answers questions with deputy floodplain administrator Greg Ballard on Monday night in Brinnon. (Elijah Sussman/Peninsula Daily News)
Jefferson commissioners update flood code

More than 70 people attend hearing in Brinnon

PASD board accepts Brewer’s resignation

School officials highlight performance of Native American students

Port Angeles lifts Stage III water restrictions

The city of Port Angeles has lifted all of… Continue reading

Chipotle Mexican Grill opens today at 2021, Suite B, U.S. Highway 101 in Port Angeles. The fast food restaurant features freshly prepared burritos, burrito bowls, salads and tacos. (Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News)
Chipotle opens in Port Angeles

Chipotle Mexican Grill opens today at 2021, Suite B, U.S. Highway 101… Continue reading

Agnes Kioko and Regina Mbaluku of Kenya and Bonita Piper, board president of Path From Poverty, right, meet with Sequim volunteers who cut and sell wood as a fundraiser. (Michael Dashiell/Olympic Peninsula News Group)
Connection helps Kenyan women with opportunities, relationships

This effort, gifts from thousands of miles away, aren’t just… Continue reading